How to Get a PBA Card in New Jersey

By Jonathan McLelland ; Updated October 04, 2017

New Jersey PBA cards are given to close relatives of police officers.

Have you ever wished you had a real-life “get out of jail free” card? Although such cards do not exist for every offense, if you have a New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association card, you may be able to avoid minor citations, such as a traffic offense. The card informs police that you are a family member of a law enforcement officer. To obtain a New Jersey PBA card, you must be related to a New Jersey police officer and show an outstanding role in civil leadership and responsibilities.

Ask a police officer within your family whether you can obtain a PBA card. These are typically given out to family members who have shown responsibility in operating a motor vehicle as well as those who have taken pride in community involvement. You must be an immediate family member of the police officer -- a mother, father, sibling, son or daughter. PBA cards are not available for friends of police officers, and only police officers can participate in this program.

Inform your relative of your driving record and what you’re doing to make your community a better place. Provide proof that you are related to the officer, such as a copy of your driver’s license or birth certificate.

Wait for your relative to request a PBA card for you from the association. Upon approval from the association, a PBA card will be issued to the police officer, who must then deliver the card to you. If you are pulled over by police, hand over this card with your driver’s license, registration and insurance information to show the officer that you’re related to a fellow law enforcement member.

Tip

Have the officer to whom you’re related sign the PBA card for further validation.

Warning

Do not expect to use the PBA card to get out of severe traffic offenses or criminal charges. It simply shows a police officer that you are related to a fellow officer. The issuance of tickets or citations remains strictly up to the discretion of the officer involved.

About the Author

Jonathan McLelland has been a professional writer since 2005. He has worked as a story writer and editor for the international sitcom, “Completing Kaden,” as well as a proposal writer for various production companies. McLelland studied communication and theater at St. Louis Community College.